Famous rock bands perform their concerts in front of thousands of screaming fans. Traveling Broadway shows bring the delight of live theatre to people all across the country.

"The Drama Dollies and A Dude," a local amateur acting troupe based in Burien, prefer the allure of retirement and senior centers.

"The Drama Dollies and A Dude" are seven women and one gentleman who travel to venues such as the SeaTac Community Center, Judson Park in Des Moines, the Kent Senior Center and Village Green Retirement Campus in Federal Way to perform sketches and musical ditties to older audiences across the Puget Sound area.

Lloyd Coble, the "Dude" of the troupe, has been a lawyer for 32 years and joined the team with no previous acting experience. He says being a part of the team has been a great learning experience.

"This group is so much fun. When we start laughing a lot, I know it's going to be a good week," Coble said.

As for being the only man in the group, Coble said he does not mind but wishes more men would join. He said he was pressured by friends to join and has not regretted doing so.

"I had this on a list of things to do. I received a call and felt this was a calling," Coble said.

The "Dollies" are Arline Cook, Joan Henzi, Mary Jo Hoffman, Pat Houston, Melanie Lundberg, Rita Wetzler, and Sheila Woodward. The Dude" is Lloyd Coble.

Mary Jo Hoffman is a veteran of the troupe who has enjoyed her time with the team.

"It's fun. It stimulates your mind because you have to memorize your lines. Real friendships are developed in this class," Hoffman said.

The troupe originated when Highline Community College started offering a drama class aimed specifically for seniors, Hoffman said.

The Drama Dollies and A Dude" primarily perform short sketches for their audiences but have dabbled in longer-form shows in the past, said Joan Henzi.

"We did a musical of Cinderella, but we do mostly skits. When you get older and you can't remember long-form shows, sometimes shorter is better," Henzi said.

Making the rounds to the same venues every year, the team puts together two shows per year, usually one in January and the other in April. The group aims to appeal to older audiences by choosing sketches that explore themes familiar to them.

The group's latest show includes four short scenes titled "Concerned Citizens," "Seen," "Moon Over Buffalo" and "Golden Arches." The sketches show characters who deal with everyday situations like aging, retirement, living in a youth-oriented culture and reminiscing on old times.

The team's current director is Henry Hart, a veteran of Puget Sound theatre.

Hart has been the group's director for two years after their previous director, Michelle Gillette, stepped down.

"The Burien Community Center said Michelle is leaving and was wondering if I would be interested in doing it. Everybody seems to get along well, so I decided to go along with it," Hart said.

Like a true traveling troupe, right after one show is over the next one soon follows for the group.

For senior citizens living in a retirement community, seeing actors in their age range on stage is a rare treat that cannot be passed up.

But for "The Drama Dollies and A Dude," they do not mind being in demand one bit.